Travel with Kids: Costa Rica 2009
Distributed by Janson Media, 88 Semmons Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640; 201-784-8488
Produced by Equator Creative Media
Directed by Carrie and Jeremy Roberts
DVD , color, 57 min.
All ages
Travel and Tourism
Date Entered: 06/04/2010
Reviewed by Leigh Mihlrad, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DCThis Travel with Kids episode follows the Roberts Family — parents Jeremy and Carrie, with young sons Nathan and Seamus —as they visit Costa Rica. Venturing to Arenal, Montezuma, and Monteverde, they participate in traditional outdoor activities such as horseback riding, white water rafting, and hiking. The family also takes advantage of the unique jungle environment, however, visiting a bat jungle, snake museum, animal rescue center, and taking an “adventure tour,” among other activities.
Very fast-paced and family-friendly, the episodes are packed with tips on sightseeing and transportation suggestions (such as taking a for-hire van from the airport instead of a public bus). Indoor and outdoor activities are shown, to account for possible bad weather. “Plan Your Trip” bonus information is included on the DVD, including ways to prepare for the trip with children, such as learning Spanish, cooking local foods, etc. A bloopers bonus reel should appeal to youngsters as well.
The Travel with Kids series (primarily filmed in the Caribbean and Europe) has expanded to social media, with a blog, plus Facebook and Twitter pages, all of which appear to be frequently updated:
These venues allow viewers to follow the family’s travels in real-time, and gain additional information on destinations. One area of concern is whether the Roberts Family receives financial (or any type of) compensation for its mention of specific hotels and activity providers.